Keith Wood believes it is "ludicrous" to have a three match tour to South Africa at the end of a World Cup year.

The former Ireland captain and The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley joined Off The Ball to talk about Connacht's extraordinary Pro 12 title achievement.

But it is also a week when thoughts are turning to the upcoming tour to face the Springboks this summer.

"I'm not a fan of this tour at the end of a World Cup. I just look at all our players and yes, I see some fresh guys in Connacht and rightfully so. Some of those won't go on the tour. That could be considered very hard on them but it's no harm on them because next year is their second season. It's the time everyone's feeling them come of age and it becomes much harder for them," he said.

"I just think we need to look after our players a little bit more. I just don't like to see a three match tour to South Africa. I think it's ludicrous."

On Connacht's triumphant victory over Leinster in the Pro 12 decider, Keith was effusive in his praise of the players and head coach Pat Lam.

"Wasn't it just lovely to watch? Wasn't it just lovely to see wasn't it? And I did like the cupla focal, I did like some of John Muldoon's chats. How cool is that?"